When to plant Chives in Calhoun County County,
Calhoun County County's 191-day season only supports one Chives planting per year. Sow between April 20 and May 4 for the best chance at full maturity before October 21.
When to Plant Chives in Calhoun County, IL
Chives are a hardy perennial herb with a mild onion flavor and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow and maintain.
Calhoun County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 731 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.
Calhoun County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Calhoun County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives Planting Timeline — Calhoun County, IL
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Calhoun County
Growing Tips for Calhoun County
Start from seed or divisions in spring. Cut back to 2 inches after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and delicious.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Calhoun County, IL?
Calhoun County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calhoun County, IL?
Calhoun County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Chives in Calhoun County County, ?
In Calhoun County County, , plant Chives after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Calhoun County County, for Chives?
Calhoun County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chives grow in Calhoun County County's climate?
Yes — Chives grows well in Calhoun County County's temperate climate. Calhoun County County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.
Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Calhoun County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.